they have only to wait for one single blast [of punishment]: it shall not be delayed by one whit. 15 As it is, they say [mockingly]: "O our Sustainer! Hasten on to us our share [of punishment even] before the Day of Reckoning!" 16 Bear patiently what they say, and remember Our servant Dawood, the possessor of power; surely he was frequent in returning (to Allah). 17 Indeed We subjected the hills to say the praise with him, at night and at morn. 18 and the birds, too, gathered each obedient to him. 19 We strengthened his kingdom, and gave him wisdom and speech decisive. 20 ۞ And did the news of the two disputants reach you? When they scaled over the wall into Dawud’s mosque. 21 When they went in unto Da-ud, he was frightened at them. They said: fear not we are two contending parties; one of us hath oppressed the other, so judge between us with truth, and be not iniquitious, and guide us unto the even path. 22 This, my brother has ninety nine ewes, but I have only one ewe (a female sheep). He said: "Give her into my keeping" and overcame me in the argument' 23 [David] said, "He has certainly wronged you in demanding your ewe [in addition] to his ewes. And indeed, many associates oppress one another, except for those who believe and do righteous deeds - and few are they." And David became certain that We had tried him, and he asked forgiveness of his Lord and fell down bowing [in prostration] and turned in repentance [to Allah]. ۩ 24 And thereupon We forgave him that [sin]: and verily, nearness to Us awaits him [in the life to come,] and the most beauteous of all goals! 25 O Da-ud! verily We have appointed thee a vicegerent in the earth, so judge between mankind with truth, and follow not desire, lest it cause thee to err from the path of Allah. Verily those who err from the path of Allah - unto them shall be a severe torment, for they forgat the Day of Reckoning. 26